Which is the better daytrip from Salzburg?

What time of year?
I haven't done the first two routes, but I've done #3, and it was a glorious day.
Have a great trip!

I've driven by Maria Alm, one of many similar villages, and I guess I've been close to the Hochkeil area. Hallstatt via Hochkeil is time consuming.

Hallstatt is worth visiting though. It's a pretty village - salt mine, waterfall hike (about an hour), Dachstein/5 fingers close by. Wolfgangsee, not quite as scenic in my eyes, is closer and worth it, and has enough to offer for a very good day trip.

I'd always plump for Konigssee, and it's much closer to Salzburg. Try catching the first boat, get off at the St Bartholomew stop for photos and a short hike. Back on the boat to Salet and hike to the Rothbach waterfall – you can take some really nice shots of Obersee.

If you return to Schonau early enough, there's an expensive cable car up to Mt Jenner; a splendid view of Konigssee from up there. Or, drive to Ramsau nearby: St Sebastian church and cemetery, Wimbach Gorge.

Edit. Forgot about the open air museum. It's superior to the others I've visited (Bad Windsheim, one in Alsace) in terms of trails and scenery.

lachera mentions Herrenchiemsee. That and Frauenchiemsee make for a great day trip (palace and pleasant, easy walks). There are a few restaurants on Fraunchiemsee.

"Driving" means by rental car? If yes, then you have to inform the rental-company that you want to cross the border if you go to Lake Königssee.

My favourite daytrips: the Ludwig castle at Herrenchiemsee (leave early and try to board one of the first ferries in the morning). The Kaiservilla at Bad Ischl (Franz Joseph and Sissi memorabilia). The road between Bad Ischl and Salzburg along the lakes. Munich (distant but not impossible, easier by train). And yes, Konigsee and Berchtesgaden.

Thanks for the replies! Summer is the time I'd be going. Yes, If I decide to cross the border to Germany I will be sure to let the rental car company know, thanks for that.

I'll look into all these suggestions. Very excited!

You could go to Bad Ischl. Take the Katrin lift up and see the Hallstätter See from above. Sissi and the Grand Café & Restaurant Zauner ttps://zauner.at/

I have to say to this day, I think the Königssee is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in the Alps. Take the boat.

I have driven 164 between Saalfelden and Bischofshofen several times and it is a spectacular drive. However, it can be troublesome for the passengers if they get car sick. There are a lot of turns on the way up to Muehlbach.

I visited the open air museum in August 2025 and did not get through half of it. As a carpenter, I found the construction of each building very interesting.

If I had to choose, I would opt for Koenigssee and whatever after that.

Yes, If I decide to cross the border to Germany I will be sure to let the rental car company know, thanks for that.

Believe me, it won't be an issue. People do it all the time. That said, make sure that your rental car has a toll sticker (called a Vignette) on it, as you will need that.

When in Salzburg you will get the Mobility pass from your accommodation (As long as it is an official registered accommodation)
This gives to free public transport on bus and train in Salzburg region.

Another vote for Bad Ischl especially if you want to visit a site connected to Austrian history and the Habsburg monarchy.

Going to Bad ischl requires a ticket, one to visit the grounds of the Kaiser Villa and a second ticket to see the Villa itself only by guided tour.

Wolfgangsee gets my vote, and you don't even need a car. Take a Salzburg bus back and forth to it.